Interactive computer system for providing television schedule information

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides systems and methods for providing television schedule and/or listing information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet. The television schedule and/or listing information can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such as televisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and the like. The television schedule and/or listing information may be stored on the viewer&#39;s computer, television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule and/or listing information may be downloaded from a remote database to the viewer&#39;s computer, television or PCTV.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/837,025, filed Apr.11, 1997, which is continuation-in-part of Provisional PatentApplication Ser. Nos. 60/022,826, filed on Jul. 26, 1996, and60/015,648, filed on Apr. 19, 1996, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/537,650, filed on Oct. 2, 1995, the complete disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods forproviding information to television viewers, and more particularly tosystems and methods for allowing the viewer to retrieve, initiate asubscription to, search, select and interact with television scheduleand/or listing information located in a remote database, computernetwork or on-line service, e.g., a network server on the Internet orWorld Wide Web.

As the number of television stations in a metropolitan area or on acable network has increased, the number of programs of potentialinterest that are presented to a viewer has risen dramatically. With theuse of dish antennas capable of receiving direct satellite signals, themultitude of programs available to the viewer has further increased.Consequently, television schedule systems that are provided directly onthe viewer's television screen have been developed to assist the viewerin sorting through these various programs and determining which programsto watch or record. One such television schedule system is disclosed incommonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,121 (Young et al.), the completedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In oneembodiment of Young, the television schedule includes a series of menuscreens having an array of cells corresponding to different televisionprograms. The viewer may scroll through the cells to view whichtelevision programs are being presented on various channels at varioustimes. In addition, the viewer may select certain cells to obtain moreinformation on the associated program or to pull up other submenus withadditional options.

The recent development of television schedule systems, such as the abovedescribed patent to Young, have created many new challenges andopportunities. One such challenge and opportunity is to provide viewerswith additional information associated with a particular program in thetelevision guide. As a television viewer is browsing through thetelevision programs, he or she may wish to obtain more informationrelating to specific areas of interest or concerns associated with theshow, such as the actors, actresses, other movies released during thesame time period, or travel packages or promotions that may be availablethrough primary, secondary or third party vendors. Offering this type ofinformation to the television viewer can be difficult, however, becausethere are currently hundreds of different programs broadcast every dayand eventually there will be an unlimited number of programs available,both current and digitally archived. In addition, the availableinformation changes at a rapid pace, which makes it even more difficultto provide this information in present television schedule guides.

In television broadcasting, it may also be desirable to interact withthe viewer. There are many commercials and programs which request vieweraction such as purchasing an advertised product, making a monetarycontribution, responding to a survey, answering a question, orparticipating in contests with other viewers, for example. One problemwith this existing system is that it is often difficult to motivate aviewer to request information or send in a contribution after thebroadcast of the commercial or program. Viewers will often forget theadvertisement or simply lose motivation to spend money or requestinformation after the commercial or program is over. Another problem isthat companies sponsoring these commercials or programs would often liketo provide their viewers with further information, if the viewers couldbe identified or if the viewer requests the additional information.Thus, it would be desirable to provide a ready and efficient method tofacilitate an exchange of information between television viewers andproducers, promoters and advertisers during the broadcast of thecommercial or program.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for providingtelevision schedule information on a visual interface, and for allowingthe viewer to retrieve, initiate a subscription to, search, select andinteract with information located in a remote database, computer networkor on-line service, such as a network server on the Internet or WorldWide Web. The television schedule information can be displayed on avariety of visual interfaces, such as televisions screens, computermonitors, PCTV screens and other interactive display devices. Thetelevision schedule information may be stored on the viewer's computer,television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or thetelevision schedule information may be downloaded from a remote databaseor computer network to the viewer's computer, television or PCTV, andother interactive display devices. The present invention also providessystems and methods for allowing the viewer to navigate and interactwith a program guide that is displayed, for example, on the viewer'stelevision screen. The program guide will usually include a scheduleand/or listing information area that depicts the programs that areavailable from a directory, library, or archival source or beingpresented on each channel at each time during the day, week or month.With an input device, such as a remote control device, pointing device,mouse, keyboard, microphone or the like, the viewer can browse throughthe schedule and/or listing information area and/or obtain moreinformation about programs of particular interest.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes an interactivecomputer system which provides television schedule and/or listinginformation. All or-portions of this television schedule information maybe provided to a television system, a computer monitor, a PCTV and otherinteractive display devices. The interactive computer system can use thetelevision schedule information to control various peripheral devices inthe television system. Peripheral devices are, for example, televisions,video tape recorder(s), set-top boxes (including cable boxes), digitalstorage devices, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, a memorylocated within a personal computer stores a computer program andreceived data. These data include the television schedule informationand eventually the digital files of the programs themselves. A processoruses the computer program to organize the television schedule and/orlisting information into a desired format. The television scheduleand/or listing information is then displayed on a television screen oron a computer monitor/display in the desired format.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a representative computer system coupledto a television system.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a television schedule guide, as displayed ona computer screen along with a user input device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a computer accessory for the computer system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a recording device connector for the televisionsystem.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a process flow chart for the installationprocedure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process flow chart for the operation of theschedule/control system herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates several arrangements for providing televisionschedule information from a database to a television for display.

FIG. 8 illustrates an interactive television schedule system accordingto the invention incorporating a cable system coupled to a televisionsystem.

FIG. 9 illustrates a-preferred arrangement for providing televisionschedule information from the cable system of FIG. 8 to a television fordisplay to the viewer.

FIG. 10 illustrates a system and method for accessing televisionschedule information at a network file server on the internet.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a system and method for viewerinteraction with commercial advertisers and program sponsors within thetelevision schedule information system of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic views of a representative program guideand a channel guide, respectively, for use with the television system ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 13A-13C are schematic views illustrating a method for selecting aprogram information menu, moving to the program guide of FIG. 12A andbrowsing through information menus from other programs.

FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate a Video On Demand menu and an associatedsubmode menu.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate a method for accessing and sending mailmessages.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate a Services Menu and a method for accessingspecial services and for purchasing items.

FIGS. 17A-17F illustrate a system and method for contextually linking aprogram to a database on a computer network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides systems and methods for providingtelevision schedule and/or listing information to a viewer, and forallowing the viewer to link, search, select, retrieve, initiate asubscription to and interact with information in a remote database,computer network or on-line server, e.g., a network server on theInternet or World Wide Web. The television schedule and/or listinginformation can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such astelevisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and otherinteractive display devices. The television schedule and/or listinginformation may be stored on the viewer's computer, television, PCTV, ora remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule and/orlisting information may be downloaded from a remote database or computernetwork and/or internet broadcast to the viewer's computer, televisionor PCTV. Suitable television schedule and/or listing information systemsor video guides that can be used with the present invention aredescribed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,353,121, 5,479,266, thecomplete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Thesystems and methods of the present invention may also be useful withvideo guides available under the name of SuperGuide™ from The SuperGuideCorporation of Shelby, N.C.

In one embodiment, the invention incorporates an interactive computersystem which assists the viewer in utilizing television schedule and/orlisting information and linking with a database to search and retrieve,initiate a subscription to, information. Preferably, the information iscontextually related to television programs within the televisionschedule and/or listing information. Referring to the drawings indetail, wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, arepresentative television schedule and/or listing information system 2for use with the contextual linking system and method of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. As shown in FIG. 1, schedulesystem includes a computer system 10 coupled to a television system 30.computer system 10 includes a standard computer 12 which is, forexample, any available personal computer (e.g., IBM compatible,Macintosh, and the like). Computer 12 can also be located within aset-top box (e.g., a DSS box). Computer 12 contains a hard drive 14, aprocessor 16 and a disk input 18 for providing computer 12 with various,additional software. An input device 20 allows a viewer to interact withcomputer 12 and/or a television schedule guide (described below andillustrated in FIGS. 12-17). Line 23 is connected to an availableserial, parallel or other data port 23 on computer 12. This line 23 isused to connect other devices/components to computer 12.

In another embodiment, computer system 10 may be combined withtelevision system 30 to form a PCTV. In this embodiment, the computerwill usually include a processor that may be used solely to run theprogram guide and associated software, or the processor may beconfigured to run other applications, such as word processing, graphics,or the like. The computer will usually be incorporated into thetelevision set so that the television display can be used as both atelevision screen and a computer monitor. Alternatively, the televisionmay be incorporated into the computer so that the computer monitorperforms this dual function. Usually, the PCTV will include a number ofinput devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse and a remote control device,similar to the one described above. However, these input devices may becombined into a single device that inputs commands with keys, atrackball, pointing device, scrolling mechanism, voice activation or acombination thereof.

Television system 30 includes a television 32, which may be anycommercially available television, and a user input device 20.Television system 30 may or may not include a video tape recorder (VCR).In this embodiment, VCRs 34 and 36 are coupled to television 32. TheseVCRs 34 and 36 can be, for example, any commercially available VCRs orany other type of recording and/or storage device (analog or digital).Input device 20 allows the viewer to interact with television 32, VCR34, and/or VCR 36. Input device 20 may be a remote control, keyboard,mouse, a voice activated interface or the like. A suitable input devicefor use with the present invention is described in U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. Nos. 60/022,826, filed Jul. 26, 1996, and Ser. No.60/015,648, filed Apr. 19, 1996, the complete disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference. A line 37 is used to connect otherdevices to VCR 34. Other devices can also be connected in series betweenVCR 34 and television 32 via line 38. With this configuration, computer12 (or computer system 10) and television 32 (or television system 30)can be located in different rooms within a private residence or acommercial building.

In one embodiment, a computer program provided on diskettes, a CD ROM orother medium contains the software needed for receiving, organizing anddisplaying data for the television schedule guide. These diskettes areinserted in disk input 18 and the software for these diskettes isstored, within computer 12 on hard drive 14 or on another mass storagelocation. This, action can be performed by, for example, the user or aserviceperson. The computer program can also be provided access,download, and/or automatically upgrade, for example, via downloadingfrom a satellite 24, transmission through the internet or other on-lineservice, or transmission through another type of land line 22 (e.g.,coax cable, telephone line, optical fiber, or wireless technology (e.g.,Richochet™)).

In addition to the computer program, data for the basic scheduleinformation and other related data (e.g., data relating to a particularshow) are needed for the generation and maintenance of the televisionschedule and/or listing information guide. These data are received, inthe preferred embodiment, via line 22; they can also be provided via asatellite broadcast from satellite 24 or wireless technology (e.g.,Richochet™). Additionally, the television schedule and/or listinginformation and related data can be sent directly to television 32 viasatellite 24 or wireless technology (e.g., Richochet™). In thisarrangement, the television schedule information and related data doesnot have to be transmitted from computer system 10 to television system30.

In one embodiment, line 22 is a telephone line which provides access tothe internet or other on-line service via, for example, a regular modemor direct modem access to a schedule and/or listing informationprovider. The schedule and/or listing information data are then providedto the viewer from a remote database via the internet or other on-lineservice, or directly from the service provider. As stated above, line 22can also be, for example, coax cable, optical fiber or any other landline which can provide data to computer 12 or wireless technology (e.g.,Richochet™). The software program saved on hard drive 14 then utilizesthe data received on line 22 to generate a television schedule and/orlisting information guide. The user can access this generated televisionschedule and/or listing information guide when desired.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a television schedule and/or listinginformation guide as displayed on a computer screen along with a userinput device. In the preferred embodiment, the television scheduleand/or listing information is provided in a grid-like display oncomputer screen 50. In this example, various channels are provided onthe Y-axis of the grid guide, and various times are provided on theX-axis of the grid guide. This display can also contain specialinstructions for the user in screen area 52 and advertisements directedto the user in screen area 54. The television schedule guide in FIG. 2has been customized by a user such that only channels 2, 3, 4, 5, 7,HBO, SHO and PBS are included in the displayed guide. In one embodiment,a television within computer system 10 or television system 30 can beused as computer screen 50.

The user, via input device 60, can scroll throughout the televisionschedule information provided in the grid guide. User input device 60can be, for example, a keyboard with arrow keys, a computer pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse or trackball, touchpad, etc.) or a voicerecognition input. By utilizing user input device 60, a user can sort,mix, and do a special customized line-up of channels within thetelevision schedule guide displayed on computer screen 50. In addition,the user can automatically tune to a desired program or can selectdifferent programs for automatic recording, and/or retrieval and digitalstorage. For more information on automatic tuning and automaticrecording, see U.S. Pat. No. B1 4,706,121 and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/423,411; this patent and this patent application are, likethe present patent application, assigned to Starsight Telecast, Inc.U.S. Pat. No. B1 4,706,121 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/423,411 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety forall purposes.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the computer 12 isequipped with a television/video board, that contains a tuner. When thistelevision/video board is located in computer 12, a computer user canview selected television programs/shows on computer monitor 50.Therefore, when a user selects a television program for automatictuning, the television/video board is tuned to the channel carrying theselected television program such that the selected television program isautomatically displayed on computer monitor 50.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, two programsprovided at the same time can be automatically recorded because two VCRs34 and 36 are present. The user need only select two programs forrecording and the present invention will automatically cause theprograms to be recorded when they are aired in an unattended fashion.The user can also directly select which device or devices will berecording or tuning for each selected program. For example, the user maywish to have M.A.S.H. 62 recorded by VCR 34 and I LOVE LUCY 64 recordedby VCR 36. In this example, the computer software on hard drive 14, atthe program start time, (1) tunes VCR 34 to the channel carrying I LOVELUCY, (2) turns VCR 34 “on”, and (3) activates the record function onVCR 34. If I LOVE LUCY starts at the same time as M.A.S.H., the softwarealso, at approximately the same time, (1) tunes VCR 36 to the channelcarrying M.A.S.H., (2) turns VCR 36 “on”, and (3) activates the recordfunction on VCR 36. At the program end time for M.A.S.H., the softwareturns “off” the record function, and then turns “off” VCR 34. The samesequence takes place for VCR 36 when the program end time for I LOVELUCY occurs.

In the preferred embodiment, two electronic devices are used to providethe schedule/control system herein. These two electronic devices allowfor the interaction between computer system 10 and television system 30.The first electronic device is a computer accessory and the second is avideo tape recorder controller/connector (VCR connector) The secondelectronic device can also be a television connector, set-top boxconnector and the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates a computer accessory for the computer system.Computer accessory 70 is any external hardware capable of controllingtelevision 30, VCR 34 and/or VCR 36. In the preferred embodiment,computer accessory 70 is connected to computer 12 through availableserial, parallel or other port 23. Clock 72, located within computeraccessory 70 in the preferred embodiment, maintains current time.Battery 74 provides a continuous supply of power when the computeraccessory's regular available power is not present. Memory 76 containsthe key parameters needed for recording and/or tuning to a selectedtelevision program. These parameters include the date of the program,the start time for the program, the end time for the program, thetelevision channel providing the program, and which peripheral deviceshall be addressed for recording or viewing the program.

Processor 80, also located within computer accessory 70, uses thesoftware in the computer system to provide memory 76 with these keyparameters. Memory 76 is a random access memory (RAM) and RF transmitter78 is, for example, similar to a transmitter provided in a portabletelephone or RF wireless headphones. RF transmitter 78 may besubstituted with, for example, IR emitters, modulated light signals(i.e., signal sent through optical fiber), or even a hardwireconnection. In the preferred embodiment, RF transmitter 78 is used inconjunction with a remotely located VCR connector 90 to communicateparameters needed for automatic tuning and/or automatic recording totelevision system 30. Processor 80 uses clock 72 and memory 76 toprovide the information needed for transmission by RF transmitter 78.

FIG. 4 illustrates a recording device connector for the televisionsystem. In the preferred embodiment, recording device (e.g., VCR)connector 90 is coupled to VCR 34 in television system 30, via line 37.This connector 90 can also be a television connector which is connectedto television 32. VCR connector 90 contains RF receiver 94 whichreceives the information transmitted from RF transmitter 78. Infrared(IR) driver 96 then works in conjunction with IR driver 96 and IRemitter 98 to provide any necessary signals to other peripheral deviceswithin television system 30. Processor 99 assists with this process

For example, if a user decides to tune the television to a certainprogram which is presently available or to schedule the television to betuned to a certain program at a future time, the user moves the cursorwith user input device 60 to the desired show within computer screen 50and enters it (“enter” key with a keyboard or “clicking” with a mouse).The information is provided to computer accessory 70 via line 23 andthen automatically transmitted via RF transmitter 78 to RF receiver 94.IR driver 96 and IR emitter 98 then take the information from RFreceiver 94 and immediately tune the television 32 to the channelproviding the selected television program. More than one IR driver 96may be used for the present invention. For example, one IR driver may beused for television 32, and another IR driver may be used for VCR 34. Inaddition, computer accessory 70 and VCR connector 90 (or the alternativedevices which provide their functions as described below) can be locatedin different rooms within a private residence or a commercial building.

If the user has selected a program from the computer for recording onVCR 34, at the selected program's start time, the information foractivating and recording on the VCR is automatically sent from RFreceiver 94, through VCR connector 90, to VCR 34 via line 37. Thus, inthe preferred embodiment, at the start time of the selected program, (1)the VCR is turned “on”, (2) the tuner (or an external device) is tunedto the channel carrying the selected program, and (3) the recordfunction of the VCR is activated. Later, when the program end timeoccurs, the record function of the VCR is turned “off,” and the VCR isturned “off.” In this arrangement, IR driver 96 and IR emitter 98 arenot used.

In the preferred embodiment, when IR driver 96 and IR emitter 98 areused, they act in the same way that a remote control would act tocontrol the other peripheral devices (e.g., television 32, VCR 36, andthe like) within television system 30. For example, if two programsoccurring at the same time are selected for automatic recording, IRdriver 96 and IR emitter 98 are used to (1) tune the tuner on a secondVCR to the channel carrying the selected-program, etc. For additionalinformation on how an IR emitter can be used to act as a remote control,see U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,789 to Young, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

In another embodiment of the present invention, VCR connector 90 isconnected in series between VCR 34 and television 32 via line 38. Inthis arrangement, IR driver 96 arid IR emitter 98 are not needed becauseinformation received by RF receiver 94 can be sent to either VCR 34 ortelevision 32 via line 38. For example, line 38 is used to transmit thedata for automatic tuning. When a user selects a television program forimmediate viewing, a tuning command for changing the television tuner tothe channel carrying the desired program is sent from RF transmitter 78to RF receiver 94. Processor 80 then sends this tuning command from RFreceiver 94 to television 32 via line 38.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, IR driver 96 and IRemitter 98 are located in computer accessory 70 (see FIG. 3). When thisconfiguration is present, VCR connector 90 is not needed. For example,when a desired television program is selected for automatic tuning, IRdriver 96 and IR emitter 98 work in conjunction to tune television 32 tothe channel carrying the desired program. Similarly, when a desiredtelevision program is selected for automatic recording, IR driver 96 andIR emitter 98, at the desired program start time, (1) tune the VCR tothe channel carrying the desired program, etc. This arrangement can alsobe used when multiple desired television programs, airing at the sametime, are selected for automatic recording. This is done in the samemanner as described above. Also, if desired, the data providing thetelevision schedule information to computer 12 can be organized into adesired format, and then transmitted via computer accessory 70 totelevision 32 for immediate display on television 32. For automaticdisplay on television 32 in this arrangement, computer accessory 70 mustcontain on-screen display generator (OSD) 82.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, computer accessory70 is located inside computer 12 (see RF transmitter 78 location incomputer 12, FIG. 1) and/or VCR connector 90 is located inside, forexample, VCR 34 or television 32. The location of computer accessory 70and VCR connector 90 is not critical because the IR emitter allows forremote control of all of the peripheral devices.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the components ofboth computer accessory 70 and VCR connector 90 are located insidecomputer 12. Therefore, RF transmitter 78 arid RF receiver 94 are notrequired. Computer 12 most likely has an internal battery and clockprovided, so battery 74 and clock 74 may not be needed. Memory 76 can beprovided by hard-drive 14. Processor 80 may not be needed becauseprocessor 16 can perform its functions. In this embodiment, IR driver 96and IR emitter 98 provide the tuning and recording parameters totelevision 32 and VCRs 34 and 36 (see FIG. 1 for placement of IR driver96 and IR emitter 98 within computer 12). Similarly, if computer 12contains television/video board 19 in this arrangement, a selectedtelevision program can be viewed on computer screen 50. Additionally, aselected television program can be stored within computer 12 in a memoryor mass storage device (e.g., hard drive 14, disk or tape). Thus, noneed would exist for the transmission of parameters needed for automatictuning and automatic, unattended recording, and the associated IRdevices 96 and 98 would not be present. Finally computer 12, television30, VCR 37 and all additional electronic devices could be on a homenetwork. In this arrangement, no transmitters or internal receiverswould-be necessary.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process flow chart for the installation procedure.This process flowchart reveals the sequence used for installing thecomputer program needed for receiving, organizing, and displaying thetelevision schedule information grid guide. This installation processflow allows for an account setup and for the downloading of scheduleinformation. The data needed for the television schedule guide aredownloaded to hard drive 14 in the preferred embodiment. As statedabove, diskettes providing the computer program are placed in disk input18 and installed on hard drive 14. The user is then asked to inputvarious information. The system first requests the user's zip code atstep 110. Billing information is requested at step 120, and method ofpayment along with associated information for payment is requested atstep 130. In an alternative embodiment, billing information (e.g.,credit care information or the like) may be input each time a userconnects to an on-line service. Additionally, an automatic confirm maytake place at step 120. For example, a user may already have anidentification number from previous system use. Confirmation of thisidentification number would allow the system to access stored userprofile information which contains the user's billing data.

In the preferred embodiment, modem speed for the communication setup isrequested at step 140 (this step is optional). The computer program, inconjunction with processor 16, checks to see if the update time intervalis needed at step 150. The update time interval determines how often thetelevision schedule guide information is updated for the user. Forexample, updates could take place each time computer 12 is booted-up,once a day, or 4 times a week. If the update time interval is needed, arequest is sent to the user at step 160. If the time interval is notneeded, a connection to the main site is made at step 170. The main siteprovides the data needed for the television schedule guide and receivesinformation, such as a credit card number for billing purposes, via line22. The user can then select which available channels will be displayedon computer screen 50 at step 180. Thus, the user can customize thedisplayed information at step 180. The user is then asked to input orselect IR codes at step 190. These IR codes are used for communicatingwith peripheral devices within television system 30. In the preferredembodiment, these IR codes are sent to memory 76 within computeraccessory 70. The data needed for the television schedule are thendownloaded via line 22 at step 200. Processor 16 and the computerprogram installed on hard drive 14 work in conjunction to create theschedule guide for display on computer screen 50 at step 210.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process flow chart for the operation of theschedule/control system herein. At step 250, the user installs computeraccessory 70 by coupling it to computer 12 via available serial orparallel port 23. At step 260, the user installs VCR connector 90 byconnecting it to VCR 34 via line 37. At step 27 0, disk input 18 is usedto provide hard drive 14 with the software needed for receiving,organizing and displaying data which provides the system's televisionschedule guide. This software also supplies the automatic tuning andautomatic, unattended recording of the present invention. Thus, thissoftware is taken from diskettes and stored/installed on hard drive 14.At step 280, the user or service person performs the installation/set-upprocedure set forth in FIG. 5. At step 290, the data needed for updatingthe schedule information are received via telephone line 22.

At step 300, the user can input any additional desired displayparameters for the display of the television schedule guide. Forexample, the user can have certain channels eliminated from thedisplayed television schedule guide, or the user can select a particularorder for each of the television channels within the guide. At step 310,the television schedule guide is displayed, upon user request, oncomputer screen 50 as shown in FIG. 2. At step 320, the user can enter aselection from the television schedule guide via user input device 60.The user can select a program for either automatic tuning or forautomatic, unattended recording. At step 330, the software determines ifthe time for the automatic tune or record is equal to the present time.If the program start time is not equal to the present time, then thesoftware waits at step 360. If the time equals the present time, thenthe software performs automatic tuning or automatic recording at step340. Automatic tuning and automatic recording is set forth in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 08/423,411, as stated above. The processflow chart of FIG. 6 is then complete.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer programlocated, for example, on hard drive 14 can monitor and track userselections. This computer program can then be used to provide suggestedtelevision programs to the user. Additionally, if desired, the computerprogram can automatically schedule suggested television programs forautomatic tuning and/or automatic, unattended recording.

FIG. 7 illustrates several arrangements according to the presentinvention for providing television schedule information from an externaldatabase to a television for display. In one embodiment, on-lineinformation providers (Prodigy, America On Line, Compuserve, MSN, AT&T,etc.) provide access to a database which contains the televisionschedule information. These on-line information providers can transmitdata to television 400. In this embodiment, a modem within accessory 402is utilized to provide the data. Accessory 402 is attached to television400 and directly connected to telephone line 408 via the modem. Themodem for access to the on-line service can also be located withintelevision 400. Software, located either within accessory 402 ortelevision 400, is used to search for and provide the data, along withproviding several other features described below.

The available data, displayed on television 400, can emulate what acomputer on-line user normally sees when accessing the internet througha personal computer. This television schedule data can also be furtherenhanced to “tie into” the televisions show that the user is viewing.Alternatively, accessory 402 may be replaced by accessory 422 which isattached to set-top box 420 (e.g., a cable box). The data provided viathe on-line information provider is then transmitted to television 400over line 440. Similarly, accessory 432, attached to VCR 430, can beused to obtain the television schedule data. The data would then betransmitted from VCR 430 to television 400 over line 450.

In another embodiment, the database with the television scheduleinformation is located in memory 406 within television 400. Controller404 is used to obtain the data from memory 406 so that it can bedisplayed on television 400. Alternatively, the database with thetelevision schedule information could be located in memory 426 (withinset-top box 420) or in memory 436 (within VCR 430). Controller 424 orcontroller 431 would be used to obtain the data which would then be sentto television 400 for display via line 410 or line 450. Therefore, thetechnology that enables the television schedule information to beprovided from a database to a television for display is not specific toany given data system. In summary, this technology can be resident inthe user's set-top box 420, television 400, VCR 430, personal computeror the like.

The television schedule information provided from a database can be usedto provide information which is independent of the viewer's programchoice. For example, from a television schedule guide, the user canutilize remote control 410 to press a Services button. This Servicesbutton can be located on remote control 410 or within the televisionschedule guide display. When the Services button is pressed, the user isgiven choices such as News, Weather, Sports, Scores, Financial Data,Local Traffic, etc. Using remote control 410, the user can then selectthe area or title of interest, and the associated information from thedatabase is provided. If accessory 402 is used, a modem accesses theon-line service which provides the information from the database. Oncethis connection is made, the user has two-way communication with theon-line service provider. The user can then go deeper into the givenselections or, if requested and keyboard 462 is available, can accessthe Internet and enter chat rooms or other interactive services. In thepreferred embodiment, keyboard 462 is either an IR keyboard or connectedto port 460 on accessory 402.

In yet another embodiment, a television program title and/or a program'scontent is contextually linked to an on-line service or to an availabledatabase. In this arrangement, a user, in conjunction with the data madeavailable through an electronic program guide (or navigational system),can link, search, select, and/or initiate a subscription to moreinformation relating to specific areas of interest or concernsassociated with a program or a program's title. In the preferredembodiment, a user of an electronic program guide (e.g., as describedabove) can conduct a search for information about a particularprogram/television show, or for information relating to the show, theactors, the actresses, the show's theme, other broadcast times orsources, and other related information through selection via a userinterface. This linking of program title and/or program content toadditional related information could be operable whenever a programtitle is accessible in a electronic program guide. Additionally, thislinking could be available whenever a user requests it via the currentlytuned program.

For example, a user previewing the program such as a movie (e.g.,“Casablanca”) can receive information regarding (1) the actors andactresses in that movie, (2) other movies released during the same timeperiod, (3) associated available products, (4) related travel packages,and (5) advertisements and promotions available through primary,secondary or third party vendors, other broadcast times or sources.Utilizing a user interface such as remote control 410 or keyboard 462,the user can indicate to the electronic program guide what informationthey would like to view on television 400. The electronic program guidethen lists a selection of choices for the user. In the preferredembodiment, the choices are associated with the context of the selectedprogram and can be changed via the electronic program guide supplier. Inthe “Casablanca” example, the choices might be (1) Other Humphrey BogartMovies, (2) Other Lauren Bacall Movies, (3) Other Movies Released in theSame Era, or (4) Associated Products, other broadcast times or sources.The user selects from the presented choices, and the electronic programguide contacts and communicates with the database of availableinformation for more detailed information relating to the user's choice.Once contact and communication is established between the user and thedatabase of available television information, the electronic programguide acts as an agent to assure that the information flow andappropriate data is exchanged. At this point, the user can delve deeperinto the available information by selecting from a series of furtherchoices or related topics. For example, if the user chooses (1) OtherHumphrey Bogart Movies option, the electronic program guide contacts andcommunicates with the selected database of available information. Thedatabase of available information is then used to collect the requesteddata of other Humphrey Bogart movies. The selected choice is transmittedand used by the electronic program guide as its contextual reference forthe search. A list with the search results is then displayed ohtelevision 400.

Once the user sees the list of broadcast times or sources for“Casablanca,” or other Humphrey Bogart movies, the user can select anyof the available titles for recording or watching, or digital storagewhen digital program directories, libraries, or archival sources areavailable. In the preferred embodiment, each time the available databaseis contacted and searched, previously selected movies can be identified.In addition, a user can select certain types of programs to be recorded,watched, or retrieved for digital storage before any particular programis available to the electronic program guide. Moreover, each time aconnection is made to an on-line service, the software can search thedatabase and set the selected types of programs to be recorded and/orretrieved for digital storage. These features enable a consumer to nevermiss a favorite program.

The system and method of the present invention may be configured toautomatically or manually customize the television schedule guide to anindividual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family. In thisembodiment, the remote-control device may be used to select certainprograms, and a memory stores the television programs that have beenselected by the viewer. The programs can be selected for a variety ofreasons, such as a designation of the program as a favorite, placing areminder to watch the program or, when the television schedule systemincludes a recording device, placing an automatic reminder to theprogram guide to record the program or, when the television schedulesystem includes a means of digital storage, automatically downloading orproviding an easy confirmation process for downloading the program. Theuser may also customize specific preferences based on a program title.Through a series of repetitive operations, the electronic program guidecan select programs, titles or services that the user would likely beinterested in. This can be accomplished through a user interface whereinthe user answers preference or choice questions, or through heuristiclearning accomplished through the electronic program guide. Theelectronic program guide would include software for performing thiscustomization.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a database containingeach program within the television schedule and/or listing information.The database may be included within a computer integrally combined withthe television (e.g., PCTV), a computer that is coupled to thetelevision through suitable lines, or the database may be accessed froma remote computer, e.g., via the internet or other communication medium.Within the database, each program is associated with a variety ofcriteria or features, such as particular actors, actresses, directors,the type of movie (e.g., action, comedy) and the like. When the viewerselects a program as a favorite, for example, he or she will have theoption of designating the criteria or reason(s) that the program is afavorite (i.e., actor, director, etc.). The computer will include aprocessor and suitable software for automatically searching the databasefor other programs having the same criteria. The processor willautomatically place the programs that include the designated criteriainto the selection window and provide visual indication of each programin the matrix of cells in the program guide. In this way, the programguide will automatically customize itself to the individual viewer tofacilitate use of the television schedule. A more detailed descriptionof this method can be found in commonly assigned co-pending U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/015,648, filed Apr. 19, 1996, thecomplete disclosure of which has previously been incorporated byreference.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an interactive television schedule system 500according to the present invention which can access television scheduleinformation from the internet, and provide user access to the internet.Access to the S internet may be provided in this embodiment withouttying up any phone lines, and without the need for a personal computer(e.g., an “NC” or Network Computer). As shown in FIG. 8, interactivetelevision schedule system 200 includes a cable system 510 coupled to atelevision system 520. Cable system 510 generally includes a processor512, and a memory 514. Television system 520 includes a television 522and a user interface device 540. Similar to the above embodiment,television system 520 may include VCRs 524 and 526 coupled to television522. In a specific embodiment, memory 514 of cable system 510 storessoftware 516 for receiving, organizing, and displaying any received datainto a television schedule guide. In addition to software 516, data forthe basic schedule information and other related data (e.g., datarelating to a particular show) are also stored in memory 514 as they areneeded for the generation and maintenance of the television scheduleguide. This data is received, in the preferred embodiment, via a cablemodem 518, which, may access the data from the internet. The software516 then utilizes the data received from cable modem 518 to generate atelevision schedule guide. The user can access this generated televisionschedule guide when desired.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, two programsprovided at the same time can be automatically recorded because two VCRs524 and 526 are present. The user need only select two programs forrecording and the present invention will automatically cause theprograms to be recorded when they are aired in an unattended fashion.The user can also directly select which device or devices will berecording or tuning for each selected program. For additionalinformation, see commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,789 to Young, thecomplete disclosure of which has previously been incorporated byreference.

FIG. 9 illustrates an arrangement for providing television scheduleinformation from cable system 510 to a television for display. In oneembodiment, cable modem 518 provides access to a database, which may beon-line; the database contains the television schedule information, andthe information is transmitted to the television. Software 516 stored inmemory 514 is used to search for and provide the information, along withproviding several other features described below. The available data,displayed on the television, may be stored in memory 514 within cablesystem 510, or within a database 548 within television 522. A controller552 is used to obtain the data from memory 514 or from database 548 todisplay it on television 522. From the television schedule guide, theuser can further utilize user interface 540 to press a “Services”button. This Services button can be located on the user interface orwithin the television schedule guide display. When the Services buttonis pressed, the user is given choices such as News, Weather, Sports,Scores, Financial Data, Local Traffic, Network, etc. Using the userinterface, the user can then select the area or title of interest, andthe associated information from the database is provided.

The user can further access the internet by choosing Network from theguide using the user interface. Cable modem 518 accesses the internet,and once connection is made, the user has two-way communication withon-line service providers. The user can then access the differenton-line services. For example, a user viewing a sporting event may pressthe Services button, and a different menu will appear with the followingchoices: (1) Sports Scores, (2) Current Game Statistics, (3) CurrentPlayer Statistics, and (4) Associated Products. If the user selects (4)Associated Products, the software, will notify the cable modem andinstruct the cable modem to establish connection with an on-line serviceprovider. The on-line service provider then lists a series of selectionsassociated with the game (e.g., 49er's hats, Giant's Baseball Bats fromLouisville Slugger, Nike Spiked Football shoes for Pop Warner, etc.),and the user can interact with the service provider accordingly.

FIG. 10 illustrates a system and method for accessing televisionschedule information from one or more servers 350 on a computer network360, such as the Internet or the World Wide Web. The televisioninformation guide may be accessed and viewed through a computer system,a television system, a PCTV, or a simple display coupled to acommunication link, such as a telephone line or the like. In therepresentative embodiment, a PCTV 362 is illustrated with a user inputdevice 364, such as a remote control, keyboard, mouse or the like, and acommunication device 366 for accessing computer network 360. Asdiscussed above, communication device 366 may include a wide variety ofdata lines, such as telephone lines, cable modems, etc.

In one embodiment, the computer network 360 includes a plurality ofservers 350 and a database 370. The database 370 includes televisionschedule information, which may be retrieved and viewed on PCTV 362.Servers 350 represent file servers having files, databases or the like.In a representative embodiment, the computer network is the World WideWeb and each server 350 is set up as a network file server addressableby a unique address. For example, the servers 350 may be configured tofollow a common network protocol such as the Transmission ControlProtocol (TCP), and the Internet Protocol (IP) (commonly referred tocollectively as TCP/IP), and may be assigned a unique IP address orinternet domain name. For example, the servers may be assigned thedomain-name “invoice.com”. The servers 350 may also have some form ofserver software installed to permit the system to function as aninternet graphics server. For example, the servers 350 may be configuredwith HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP) server software to permit thesystem to function as an internet “world wide web” (WWW) server. In thisembodiment, PCTV 362 may access servers 350 via the WWW using WWWcompatible software by indicating the system's uniform resource locatoraddress: “HTTP://www.invoice.com”.

In another embodiment, the television schedule guide (not shown) isstored as one or more files (e.g., a websites or internet broadcasttransmitters) on one of the servers 350, which can be accessed by anyviewer having access to the World Wide Web. The television scheduleguide or website may be configured for viewing and interacting withtelevision information directly on-line, or it may be configured fordownloading the information into a computer hard drive or other suitableprocessor. The guide will provide listings information for all channelsin the viewer's local, cable line-up. Preferably, the guide will becapable of creating personalized TV listings with search and sortfeatures (discussed below) that allow the viewer to call up favoriteprogramming choices based on categories, such as channel, day, actor,movie genre or other desired categories. The guide may also includeother information about programs, such as ratings, stars, type of movie(e.g., suspense, comedy, drama, western, musical, children, biography,horror, etc.). This information may be provided on the actual websiteand/or internet broadcast transmitter, or the website and/or internetbroadcast transmitter may provide means for linking the viewer withother websites and/or internet broadcast transmitter to provide moreinformation-on certain topics and categories.

Since the television guide website and/or internet broadcast transmittermay be accessed from virtually any location in the world, it willpreferably include a mechanism for selecting a region from which thetelevision guide is applicable. For example, the television guide mayinclude television schedule arid/or listing information from a varietyof countries throughout the world, or the information guide may belimited to the United States. To obtain television schedule informationfor a particular region, the user can select an appropriate state, city,or other region, such as a region covered by a particular cable company.Alternatively, the television schedule guide may provide information forcertain networks and stations (instead of particular channels orstations), such as CBS, FOX, HBO and the like, that are global to allregions of the country. With this configuration, the television guidemay include a time zone selection so that the guide can automatically beconfigured for the particular time zone in which the user will watchtelevision.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system will include asearch engine that allows the viewer to search for particular types ofprograms that will be broadcast within a certain period of time. Thesearch engine may include categories such as title, description,category, dates, day parts, channels, actor/actresses, directors, etc.In addition, the viewer may obtain more information on the programswithin each category. For example, the guide could provide informationon movies in many categories, including theatrical, made-for-TV movies,Spanish, French, etc. The guide can tell you what Clint Eastwood moviesare on this week, how many StarTrek episodes this weekend, or whetheryour favorite basketball team is on TV this Saturday. The on-line viewermay customize their own listings by title, year, actors, director, runthemes, critical star rating, MPAA, warning lines, video laser disc,full descriptions, genre, and holidays with themes. In another example,the guide could provide information on shows and series, includingnetwork shows, first run, British, PBS, cult favorites, syndicatedshows, talk shows, local productions and obscure programs. The user maysort by, for example, title, episode run times, genre, original airdate, etc.

In another aspect of the invention, the web site television guide willinclude a highlight section that highlights particular programs thatwill be broadcast during the day, week or month. For example, the guidemay have a web page that picks a “hot pick” for each day of the week,and provides a picture or video together with descriptive information,such as an editorial comment, on the video hot pick. In addition, theuser may be able to move to other areas where more information can beprovided on particular moves, such as articles, interviews withactors/actresses, editor's choice reviews, commentaries, etc.

In another aspect of the invention, the system will include a variety offiles on the same or different network servers that allow the user tointeract with other users, program sponsors, advertisers, etc. Forexample, the system may have a web site that allows viewers to chatabout certain programs (each program itself may have its own web site).In addition, the system may include a “virtual agent” that searchesexisting websites and/or internet broadcast transmitter on the internetand points to websites and/or internet broadcast transmitters that mayinterest the viewer. The virtual agent will learn from previous userchoices to customize the television guide for each particular viewer.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a system and method according to thepresent invention for linking television viewers with broadcasters andadvertisers during the broadcast of a commercial or program. As shown,system 600 includes a viewer interface 602, such as a television,computer, PCTV or a television coupled to a computer system. Forconvenience, the system will be described as utilizing a PCTV 602. Adata line 604, such as a cable modem, telephone line or othercommunication link, couples the PCTV 602 with a remote database, networkserver or on-line-service, such as the Internet 606. A television guidedatabase 608 is also coupled to the Internet 606 for providing thetelevision schedule information to PCTV 602. This information may bedownloaded to PCTV 602, or it may be configured for viewing only whilethe viewer is actually connected to database 608. Alternatively, thetelevision guide may be drawn locally from a processor within PCTV. Asshown, a commercial provider 610 (e.g., Budweiser) and/or a televisionstation broadcaster 612 (e.g., ABC) also have databases directly coupledto PCTV 602 or through Internet 606.

PCTV 602 may include a memory and a processor with appropriate software(not shown) for searching and retrieving information from databases onthe Internet 606 based on user selections. Alternatively, this functionmay be provided through Internet 606, television guide database 608 orthrough the commercial provider 610 or broadcaster 612. In thisembodiment, PCTV may access, download, and/or automatically upgrade anapplication or applet (e.g., a Java™ applet) having the appropriatesoftware to run the television schedule guide on a display, e.g., acomputer monitor, television display or other user interface.

In one example, the viewer is watching a sports event, such as afootball game. One or more icons or other visual indicators are locatedon the television screen in a convenient location, such as the top,right corner. One of these icons may be an icon that represents thetelevision schedule guide. The viewer can move a cursor or other visualindicator to the television guide icon and click thereon to open up thetelevision guide as discussed in detail below. Another icon may beprovided, for example, by a commercial sponsor. Moving into andactivating this icon allows the viewer to link with a database providedby the commercial sponsor, or to a portion of the television scheduleguide database that allows the viewer to purchase an advertised product,make a monetary contribution, respond to a survey, answer a question, orparticipating in contests with other viewers, for example.

By way of example, Budweiser may provide a database 610 that allows theviewer to purchase a coupon for a free six-pack or other items, such asBudweiser T-shirts, hats, etc. The viewer may purchase the coupon, hats,or T-shirts directly through the commercial sponsor, or through adelivery system provided by the television schedule guide (discussed indetail below). This type of advertising allows the advertiser todirectly target a particular program, and it allows the viewer todirectly purchase the products during the advertisement. In addition,viewers will not forget the advertisement or simply lose motivation tospend money or request information after the commercial or program isover.

In another example, the television network that is broadcasting theprogram may provide an icon that allows the viewer to access a database612 providing more information about the football game, previews ofupcoming programs related to the program, such as another football gamelater on in the week, or other products and services related to thefootball game.

FIGS. 12-17 illustrate a sample television schedule system 700 with agrid guide, and methods for utilizing the television schedule systemwith the contextual linking system and method of the present invention.Of course, it should be recognized that the invention is not limited tothe specific television schedule system shown in FIGS. 12-17. Forexample, other suitable television schedule systems are described in theuser manuals “Using Starsight 2”, “Starsight Interactive TelevisionProgram Guide, Phase III”, and “Starsight Interactive Television ProgramGuide, Phase IV”, which are attached to this application as AppendicesA, B, and C, respectively, or commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos.5,353,121, 5,479,266, the complete disclosures of are incorporatedherein by reference. The television schedule system 700 shown in FIGS.12-17, however, is particularly advantageous with the contextual linkingsystem of the present invention as it enables the viewer to quickly andefficiently browse through the television schedule, and to interact witha wide range of services that are related to the programs in thetelevision schedule.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a program guide 702 and a channel guide704, respectively, for the television schedule system of the presentinvention. The program guide 702, which is the primary mode in thetelevision schedule system, includes a number of screen informationareas or windows in a particular screen where the viewer operates ainput device, such as a remote control, to move around vertically andhorizontally and to interact with that screen area's function. Withineach screen area are one or more items, typically arranged in a matrixor grid so that the viewer can scroll through the grid to select oractivate items within the grid. Activation of an item will invoke aSubmenu, a Dialog, a Panel, invoke an action or the like.

As shown in FIG. 12A, program guide 702 preferably includes a scheduleinformation area 706 having a program matrix 708 of cells or items thatdepict the shows that are being presented on each channel at each timeduring the day. Program guide 702 conveniently lists the channels in avertical column to the left of the program matrix 708 and the times in ahorizontal row above matrix 708. As shown, the viewer may verticallyscroll through a particular time or horizontally scroll through achannel with the remote control device. As the viewer scrolls throughmatrix 708, a cursor 710 will indicate the user's location within thematrix 708. Alternatively, the item may be automatically highlightedwith a brighter color to indicate the viewer's location. Preferably,program matrix 708 will also be shaded to indicate the portion of eachshow that has already been presented. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A,the shading extends to 7:48 (the current time as indicated at the bottomright of program guide 702) to indicate which portion of the show theviewer has already missed.

As shown in FIG. 12A, program guide 702 includes a number of otherinformation areas. For example, program guide 702 includes a mode menuarea 712 that indicates the currently active mode (i.e., program guide702) and allows the viewer to pull down a mode menu 714 (see FIG. 13A).Program guide 702 also includes a date area 716 that indicates the datereflected in program matrix 706 and allows the viewer to pull down adate submenu 718 to change the date. In other submodes, the submode menuwill display options for ordering or displaying lists that areappropriately related to the submode. A proportional scroll bar 720located to the left of program matrix 706 is visually-proportional tothe total information in program matrix 706 to provide visual feedbackas the user vertically scrolls through matrix 706. In addition, scrollbar 720 may be used for large-scale movement through hundreds ofchannels/sources by navigating to bar 720 and then vertically moving bar720. An exit area 722 allows the viewer to immediately exit back to thetelevision by navigating to exit area 722 and clicking on the remotecontrol device. A program area 126 depicts the currently tuned programand a preview window area 728 can be used for all types of promotional,descriptional, or contextual video or graphics, such as a short previewof the show that is currently being highlighted in show matrix 706.Preview window area 728 may also be interactional similar to the otherareas of guide 702.

The program guide may also include a variety of additional areas tofacilitate use of the television schedule system, present information tothe viewer or advertise programs or other products. For example, ascrolling commercial message 724 may be located underneath programmatrix 706 that advertises programs or products from program sponsors,etc. The viewer may navigate to message 724 to receive more informationor to purchase the product or program.

This function of ordering items is not limited to videos. For example,the program may access other contextual linked services such as acommercial store, etc., to allow the purchaser to buy a wide variety ofdifferent services or goods directly or indirectly linked to aparticular program. For example, an Info Menu for Monday Night Footballmay allow the viewer to scroll through submenus that allow the viewer topurchase Washington Redskins' caps, Minnesota Vikings' caps or any NFLcap. The viewer has a choice to follow a program's link back to thecommercial area where a larger selection of items and services areavailable. A product like the cap above may lead the viewer directly toan NFL proshop, whereas a link to a movie on demand may lead back to acommercial film library.

FIG. 12B illustrates the television schedule system of the presentinvention in the channel guide mode. As shown, channel guide 704 issimilar to program guide 702 except that it includes an informationscreen area 730 that is reversed from the information screen area 706 inthe program guide. Thus, the viewer can scroll vertically to moveforward and backward in time along one channel and horizontally to movefrom channel to channel.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate a method of accessing program guide 702 from acurrently tuned program and browsing through other currently tunedprograms with remote control device 2. As shown in FIG. 13A, the vieweris watching a television show on a display screen 732, such as a MondayNight Football game featuring the Washington Redskins versus theMinnesota Vikings. Clicking on the remote control device automaticallycauses a Program InfoMenu 730 to pop up on a portion of the televisionscreen 732 (see FIG. 13B). Program InfoMenu 730 may allow the viewer toobtain more information about the currently tuned program, move toprogram guide 702, move to contextual linked services (discussed below),or exit InfoMenu 730 back to the television show. The viewer mayvertically scroll through these options upwards, or downwards, andselect one of the options. For example, clicking on the “Go to programguide”, section immediately transfers the viewer to the program, guide,as shown in FIG. 12A. To browse other currently tuned programs, theviewer employs suitable channel controls or other input commands on theremote control device (not shown). As shown in FIG. 13C, the viewer maybrowse through other information menus while viewing the currently tunedprogram.

FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate a method of ordering video on demand with thesystem of the present invention. As shown in 14A, the viewer opens upthe program's InfoMenu 730 and scrolls down to the “linked services”item. The viewer is then presented with an easily scrollable menu 762 ofitems and services associated with this program, as shown in FIG. 14B.Some, denoted with a dollar, sign, are purchasable. Free items would beinstantly accessible to the viewer. Here, the viewer may be prompted toa simple procedure to specify when the movie is to be delivered. Whenthe viewer selects a particular service or item requiring a financialtransaction, a purchasing sequence unfolds. As shown in FIG. 14C, theviewer is prompted to enter the master password/access code via theremote keypad or other means. For example, the viewer could swipe his orher credit card through a slot on the remote control device. If thepassword/access code is accepted, the viewer is given a finalopportunity to review the purchase and/or either confirm or return tothe previous item menu (see FIG. 14D). When the viewer confirms his orher purchase and/or order, a receipt 770 is shown (FIG. 14E). The vieweris given the choice of returning to the previous item menu or, asalways, at the very bottom item “0”, to return to the program guide.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate another embodiment of the present invention inwhich the television viewer may accept incoming e-mail messages or sendoutgoing messages to other television viewers or users connected to thetelevision schedule system, e.g., users on the Internet. As shown inFIG. 15A, the viewer scrolls down to the Messages window in the Modemenu and activates this window to enter a submode menu. To read incomingmessages, the viewer scrolls down to the “Check new messages” cell andactivates this cell to display messages that have been received. TheMessages mode organizes incoming messages in order of date received anddisplays them in lists (see FIG. 15B). The viewer may then scroll to aparticular message, as shown in FIG. 15C. To send outgoing messages, theviewer scrolls down to the “Create message” cell and activates this cellto open up a blank window. A message may be created by inputting text onthe input device, through voice activation via a microphone on the inputdevice.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate a method of accessing a whole variety of otherservices to the Internet with the interactive television schedule systemof the present invention. As discussed above, databases on the Internetmay be accessed through a telephone line, cable modem or other means ofcommunication. As shown in FIG. 16A, the user scrolls down to the worldof services mode and clicks on this mode to obtain a submode thatincludes a variety of different services, such as news, weather andsports, previews and reviews of programs on the television scheduleguide, a super mall for purchasing products and services related to theprograms in the television schedule guide, or other products andservices on the Internet or World Wide Web. As shown in FIG. 16C, theuser has selected news, weather and sports, which opens up another menuinvolving a variety of special services, such as headline news, nationaland local weather, sports central, business and stock updates, musicvideos, daily horoscope, cartoon of the day and/or other servicesrelated to news, weather and sports. These services may be provided by aspecial database that is linked to the television system, to an on-lineinformation provider, such as America On Line, Prodigy and the like, orwith a search engine that searches network servers or databases on theInternet and World Wide Web. As shown, the user selects headline newswhich opens up another menu providing the user with a variety of newsreports that may be accessed. The news reports may be viewed, printedout, or downloaded to the computer system that is attached to or anintricate part of the television system, (e.g., PCTV).

FIGS. 17A-17F illustrate a representative system and method forcontextually linking related items and services to a particular programin the program guide 702. As shown in FIG. 17A, the viewer selects aparticular program within guide 702, to access that program's info menu.Within the info menu, the viewer then scrolls to linked services andclicks on this window to move into a database that includes items andservices contextually related to that particular program. In the exampleshown, the viewer has been watching a sport event featuring theWashington Redskins v. the Minnesota Vikings. The viewer is transferredto a window that provides a number of options for purchasing items andservices related to that game, such as Washington Redskin or MinnesotaVikings paraphernalia, other NFL teams paraphernalia (in an NFL sportspro shop), or highlights of other games between these two or otherteams. Alternatively, the viewer may order a tape/transcript of theprogram that is currently being shown on the guide. FIGS. 17C-17Fillustrate a case in which the viewer has selected purchasing aWashington Redskin cap. The viewer inputs a password or other inputidentification, which is confirmed by the system. Alternatively, theviewer can simply swipe his or her credit card or other identificationcard through the remote control device or the television system toauthorize the purchase of the Redskins' cap. The order is confirmed andthe cap is delivered to the viewer's home.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail forpurposes of clarity, it will be obvious that certain modifications maybe practiced within the scope of the appended claims. For example, theviewer can automatically tune to a desired program or can selectdifferent programs for automatic recording and/or retrieval and digitalstorage. For more information on automatic tuning and automaticrecording, see U.S. Pat. No. B1 4,706,121 and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/423,411; this patent and this patent application are, likethe present patent application, assigned to Starsight Telecast, Inc.U.S. Pat. No. B1 4,706,121 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/423,411 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety forall purposes.

1-47. (canceled)
 48. An interactive guidance system accessible by a usercomprising: a processor configured to: access, through the Internet, afirst database for downloading computer software that is capable ofsearching and receiving information on the Internet; access, through theInternet, a second database that stores program information, wherein thesecond database is remote to the processor; execute the computersoftware to search and receive information from the Internet includingprogram information from the second database responsive to selections ofthe user.
 49. The guidance system of claim 48, wherein the firstdatabase and the second database are the same.
 50. The guidance systemof claim 48, wherein the program information includes program title,date, channel, time, and duration.
 51. The guidance system of claim 48,wherein the computer software provides capabilities for automaticallytuning to and automatically recording a selected program title orchannel.
 52. The guidance system of claim 48, wherein the processor isfurther configured to access a third database for providing previews ofupcoming programs related to a selected program.
 53. The guidance systemof claim 48, wherein the processor is further configured to provide anicon on a display, and in response to selection of the icon, theprocessor establishes a link to the second database.
 54. The guidancesystem of claim 48, wherein the processor is further configured toprovide an icon on a display, and in response to selection of the icon,the processor establishes a link to a product database for purchasing aproduct.
 55. The guidance system of claim 48, wherein the processor isfurther configured to provide an icon on a display, and in response toselection of the icon, the processor establishes a link to a serviceprovider database for information independent of the user's programchoice.
 56. The guidance system of claim 55, wherein the serviceprovider database includes news, weather, sports, scores, financialdata, or local traffic.
 57. The guidance system of claim 47, wherein theprocessor is further configured to provide a virtual agent forautomatically searching the Internet and providing pointers to locationsin the Internet that may interest the user.
 58. The guidance system ofclaim 57, wherein the virtual agent learns from previous user choicesfor customizing the guidance system for each particular user.
 59. Theguidance system of claim 57, further comprising a chatroom Internet siterelated to a selected program.
 60. The guidance system of claim 47,further comprising a section for providing information about aparticular future program.
 61. The guidance system of claim 60, whereinthe information about a particular future program includes at least oneof a picture, video, and descriptive text.
 62. The guidance system ofclaim 60, wherein the section for providing information about aparticular future program is interactive in response to user input. 63.The guidance system of claim 48, wherein the processor is located in atleast one of a television, a set-top box, and a VCR.
 64. The guidancesystem of claim 48, further comprising a user input device that includesat least one of a remote control device, a keyboard, and a voice input.65. The guidance system of claim 48, wherein the received information isdisplayed in a guide format.
 66. A method for organizing and usingprogram information comprising the steps of: accessing, through theInternet, a first database through the Internet for downloading acomputer software to search and receive information on the Internet;accessing, through the Internet, a second database that stores programinformation; and executing the computer software for searching,formatting, and receiving information including program information fromthe Internet.
 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the first database andthe second database are the same.
 68. The method of claim 66, furthercomprising the steps of: selecting a program title or a channel forautomatic tuning or automatic recording; and executing the computersoftware to automatically tune to or record the selected program titleor the selected channel.
 69. The method of claim 66, wherein the step ofstoring program information comprises storing program title, date,channel, time, and duration.
 70. The method of claim 66, furthercomprising the step of displaying previews of upcoming programs relatedto a selected program.
 71. The method of claim 66, further comprisingproviding an icon on a display, and in response to selection of theicon, establishing a link to the second database.
 72. The method ofclaim 66, further comprising providing an icon on a display, and inresponse to selection of the icon, establishing a link to a productdatabase for purchasing a product.
 73. The method of claim 66, furthercomprising providing an icon on a display, and in response to selectionof the icon, establishing a link to a service provider database forinformation independent of the user's program choice.
 74. The guidancesystem of claim 73, wherein the service provider database includes news,weather, sports, scores, financial data, or local traffic.
 75. Themethod of claim 66, further comprising automatically searching theInternet and providing pointers to locations in the Internet that mayinterest the user.
 76. The method of claim 75, further comprisinglearning from previous user choices and customizing a display for eachparticular user.
 77. The method of claim 66, further comprisingestablishing a link to a chatroom Internet site related to a selectedprogram and entering the chatroom.
 78. The method of claim 66, furthercomprising providing information about a particular future program. 79.The method of claim 78, wherein the information about a particularfuture program includes at least one of a picture, video, anddescriptive text.
 80. The method of claim 78, wherein the section forproviding information about a particular future program is interactivein response to user input.
 81. The method of claim 66, wherein thereceived information is displayed in a guide format.